Residents Fear City Has Started Killing Deer

The sound of gunshots has rattled nerves, raised fears for the safety of children and pets and strengthened many residents' resolve to fight Highland Park's proposal to kill 20 deer.

Monday night, residents urged the City Council to place a moratorium on killing the deer. A permit to cull them from a herd of about 65 animals will expire March 31.

City officials have not released specifics about the location or timing of the deer kill, citing safety concerns.

However, residents said they believe the killings have begun. Some said they heard what they believed to be gunfire near Centennial Park, Old Elm Golf Club and Highland Park Country Club.

Kay Kumke said a neighbor heard shots in the Centennial Park area at 6 a.m. Monday and called police, who she said acknowledged that deer were being shot.

"People are worried about stray bullets hitting their homes," Kumke said. "Many said their young children cry at night because they are so worried about the deer."

At a previous City Council meeting, residents protested the proposal to kill the deer. Officials heard more than two hours of public comment, mainly against the plan, with Mayor Daniel Pierce engaging in heated debate with residents.

Despite the protests, city officials decided to proceed in order to manage the environment. The permit for the kill came from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

"An immediate moratorium on the culling would go a long way to heal the divisiveness in this city," resident Robert Misch said.

Based on comments Monday night, that is not likely to happen. Pierce said resident input had been sought throughout the planning process. In a non-binding referendum in 1997, voters supported lethal culling by a narrow margin.

City Manager David Limardi tried to ease concerns.

"Safety is our first priority," Limardi said. "We are using the parameters of only [shooting deer] on public property of 100 acres or more, with a 300-yard buffer between the site and residential property."

Limardi said a professional sharpshooter in a deer stand 18 to 20 feet high shoots straight down at the deer. The meat from the deer is donated to a homeless shelter in Waukegan. He said the cost of the program is approximately $300 per deer, not including administrative expenses.

Residents vowed to continue to fight the deer kill. About 400 people have sued the city and state to try to prevent the killings.

Kimberly Loughlinsaid that although a request earlier this month for a temporary restraining order was denied, the complaint still stands. The city is expected to respond to the suit Wednesday.